Testimony of Healing January 1, 1916 ISSUE

My first experience with Christian Science was when I...

Ray H. Cozzens

My first experience with Christian Science was when I was instantaneously healed of a type of malarial fever contracted in Mexico, from which I had suffered for over a year. The fever had grown so bad that I was forced to leave the country, and the doctors could not relieve me. The last attack came on an extremely hot day in an Arizona summer. My wife had become interested in Christian Science as the result of her knowledge of the cure of a woman who had been given by her doctor but a few hours to live. I consented to try it, and my wife telephoned to a Christian Science practitioner. Treatment was given, and I soon fell asleep. Early the next morning I awoke full of vigor, and life seemed worth while. The cure was instant and complete. The chills and fever, which had attacked me twice monthly, never returned, and in six months I gained greatly in weight. That was over five years ago.

At first I tried to learn something of Christian Science, but soon through the lethargy of mortal mind, so called, I decided that it was too deep for me. With returning health my habits grew worse, particularly with regard to drink, and a year later saw me in another state at the end of my financial rope. My wife had kept up her interest in Christian Science and persuaded me to ask for treatment. This I did, and was soon able to leave that place for a new start. I tried to study for a while and made some progress in Science, attending church quite regularly. Then too I was smoking heavily, as had been my habit since boyhood. While under treatment for another trouble, the practitioner asked me about the smoking and I told her I did not care to stop; but in a day or so I had to leave my office and go home, I was so ill. I did not know what ailed me, but when a friend offered me something to smoke I discovered that I detested even the thought of tobacco.

My affairs prospered, and soon I was again drawn away from my interest in Christian Science. One night I was curious to know how a cigarette would taste. Everything rebelled against my touching it, but I was wilful. I also tried to drink some liquor. Immediately after I had done it I was sorry. That was the beginning of another backsliding. This period extended over another year, and I was helpless on my bed when I again turned to God for aid. I doubted my right to God's help, knowing nothing then of what Christian Science really teaches, and so employed a physician, who did everything possible for me. Finally, all aid failing and my financial resources being exhausted, my wife prevailed upon me again to call a Christian Science practitioner. I knew he could help me. He came on a Monday, and on the following Wednesday I went on a street-car to his office several miles away. I had not walked for months except on crutches, but I made this trip unaided.

My improvement was rapid, but after a journey necessitated by the passing on of a relative, I suffered a relapse. We were then living with some kind friends who were also interested in Christian Science. The faithful practitioner who was then handling the case explained Christian Science to me, and one day there came to me the revelation that makes us free from the bondage of materialism. I had been studying hard for six weeks, and was being led by God's gracious love to a knowledge of the truth. My interest was now constantly active. I seemed to feel for some time as if I were on the point of a discovery, and one day it came. As I know that twice two are four, I knew then that this world and all it contains as mortals see it is not real, not of God. From that moment my recovery was rapid, and in a few weeks I was at work. In business I have had one demonstration after another, and today I am proving that a demonstrable understanding of Christian Science meets every need.

To those struggling for an understanding of Christian Science I will say that God unfailingly rewards honest endevor, and it is for us to look into our hearts for the full solution of our problem. There is no possible condition, mental, physical, or financial, that the true understanding of God, gained through the study of Christian Science, will not make harmonious. It has given me perfect health, a clear mentality, and it is rapidly freeing me from financial bondage. For all these blessings I am indeed thankful, but particularly so for the knowledge of the truth that frees us, and the discovery that it is possible to experience a real sense of love for God and all His creation. I am deeply grateful to our dear Leader, Mrs. Eddy, whose love and purity brought this wonderful truth into the world again.

Ray H. Cozzens, San Francisco, Cal.

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Testimony of Healing
I first heard of Christian Science five years ago, when my...
January 1, 1916
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